[Expression and function of microRNAs in the cornea].

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small (21-2i nucleotictes), single-stranded, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional or translational level by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of the target mRNAs. miRNAs ubiquitously exist in the genome of an organism. More than two hundred miRNA species are expressed in the eye, of which 25% are found in the cornea. miRNAs play important roles in corneal development, differentiation, glycogen metabolism, post-injury regeneration, and maintenance of homeostasis. On the other hand, miRNAs are involved in the regulation of pathological processes in the cornea, such as keratoconus, corneal neovascularization caused by corneal transplantation, herpes simplex virus infection and alkali burns. Therefore, miRNAs are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and regulate physiological and pathological processes in the cornea. The study of miRNA expression and regulation in the cornea would provide a theoretical basis for exploring pathogenic mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets for corneal diseases.